Universal access to information is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. Enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), it includes the right to seek, receive and impart information through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Freedom of information is the right of all citizens to know what data has been created and stored, in their name and at their cost. It is critical for quality journalism, and holding power to account. It is a vital mechanism to help journalists gather the facts and data to inform citizens, contribute to the public debate and hold governments accountable. It enables citizens to make informed decisions and civil society organisations to perform their role as watchdogs effectively.
Across the world those in power are enforcing internet shutdowns, social media restrictions, closing media outlets, employing outright censorship, banning journalists from attending press conferences, denying them access to public information, as well as reporting on demonstrations and political rallies. Grave breaches of the right to access information obstruct journalistic work and deliberately hinder accountability and transparency of those in power.
Africa
More than 22 African countries have signed laws on Access to information since 2017, the IFJ recalls. However, the lack of political will makes their implementation a challenge. Governments are curtailing the media's access to information by passing ‘secrecy acts’ and charging investigative journalists with vague allegations such as ‘spreading false news’ or ‘disturbing public order’. Recent elections in Zimbabwe and Gabon have been marred by internet blackouts and suspension of broadcasting, as well as refusal of accreditations to local journalists and denial of entry visas to international reporters seemingly to hinder coverage.
Arab World and the Middle East
In the Arab World and the Middle East, authorities continue to do all they can to restrict the free flow of information for citizens and the media. Only three countries have adopted and implemented access to information laws (Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia), but all are engaged in practices that restrict the right to information and the ability of journalists and the media to report on issues of public interest. Internet shutdown is a common practice used to suppress information, critics of the authorities or control freedom of assembly. In Iran, several internet shutdowns and social media blockages were reported following the outbreak of nationwide protests in September 2022. In Sudan, access to the internet was blocked by the authorities, when the conflict escalated in April 2023; and the same happened in Libya following the devastating floods in September this year.
Asia-Pacific
For journalists and media workers operating in the Asia-Pacific region, a significant barrier to access information has been persistent interference from de facto authorities. In Bhutan, civil servants have not been able to share information relevant to public interest for fear of legal retribution since 2022. Journalists in Hong Kong can be barred from press conferences if they are known to produce critical coverage. In Afghanistan, restrictions limit not only the ability of whole groups of people to make news, but to ensure that coverage is in line with Taliban-defined social and religious obligations. In Myanmar, the Military Junta has imposed a regime of fear and violence since February 2021, forcing all independent news outlets underground, criminalising legitimate journalism, and ensuring state-run media.
Europe
In Europe, the right to access information has been long established and recognised. Nevertheless, in many countries, it is restricted due to deficient implementation. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) welcomed the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) by the European Commission, but called for its strengthening to guarantee media pluralism, to protect journalists’ rights and ensure editorial independence. Meanwhile, political parties are targeting journalists on social media and denying media worker’s attendance in certain political rallies in Germany, Spain and Bulgaria, among others. A worrying number of journalists have been arrested for reporting on climate protests, the EFJ warns; while pressure from the far-right government in Italy led to the resignation of the head of the Italian public broadcasting.
Latin America and the Caribbean
InLatin America, the situation in El Salvador has raised many concerns. A more than one-year long state of emergency, introduced on 27 March 2022, has limited many constitutional freedoms and has had a severe impact on freedom of expression, including the right to access information. In Perú, there have been several cases of security forces obstructing the work of the media, when covering the political and social crisis gripping the country since December 2022, and the government has tried to promote laws that criminalise journalistic activity without success thanks to social pressure. In Colombia, threats and harassment against investigative journalists have increased in recent months, causing some to flee the country.
“Some politicians adopt the dangerous habit of refusing to take questions from the press. Others are denying journalists’ accreditation, or even arresting them, to silence their critical reporting. Governments must commit to guarantee journalists’ access to information and international bodies must do more to ensure that those in power who infringe this right do not go unpunished," said IFJ President Dominique Pradalié.